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Costa Rica Adventure Travel

by Steve Valentino

Costa Rica offers stunning opportunities for the traveler with adventure in his soul! Its stunning topography, ranging from pristine beaches to raging rivers and mighty mountains, is ideal for a range of adventure-based activities. You can experience first-class rafting in the warm waters of Costa Rica's Class I-V rivers, or hike into the mountains, or follow a trail in the many national parks. Rent a car and create your own adventure or book yourself onto the several packages that promise the thrill of lifetime!

You don't have to be an expert to take a rafting or kayaking trip that range from one day tours for beginners to more advanced 10-day tours. White water rafting trips are organized to the Reventazon River (Class II -III rapids), Pacuare River (Class III -IV rapids), the Pascua section (Class IV), and the Peralta section (Class V). Costa Rica also offers many opportunities for boating, and you can arrange to go sea kayaking and canoeing either alone or in groups. Also popular are fishing trips where anglers have a chance to hook fish ranging from rainbow bass to blue and black marlin and yellow fin tuna to the Tiger Shark.

People who like to ramble through lush forests will find as much to do as experienced hikers who mean business. Thirty percent of Costa Rica has been reserved by national parks and wildlife sanctuaries with well-marked trails that will delight nature lovers. If you're not an independent hiker, you will enjoy the weeklong packages that take in national parks, rainforests, volcanoes, rivers and mountains, and give you the opportunity to sleep out under the stars, sometimes in freezing temperatures!

A popular itinerary includes a trip to the Tortuguero National Park, a drive through the Braulio Carillo Rainforest, and up to the summit of the Poas Volcano, followed by the trips to the Tabacon Hot Springs, the Bebedero River and the Palo Verde National Park. Mountain treks like the one into the Chirripo National Park provide even experienced backpackers with an exhilarating challenge.

So, unless you enjoy wind surfing and the like, skip Costa Rica's admittedly fabulous beaches, and follow a trail into the spectacular interior. Your adventurous soul will emerge completely rejuvenated.

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